TURF TOPICS

New Zealand Mail, 27 August 1902, Page 40

TURF TOPICS

(By “Advance.”)

CHATTER

Pukana is engaged in the two steeplechav.* events at. the Australian Jockey Club's Spring Meeting.

On the concluding day of the Y.A.T.C. Grand National Meeting, Mr J. Wilson, jun.’s, Seclusion, a six-year-old mare by Carnage—The Nun, won the Malakoff Stakes, nine furlongs, carrying 7st 61b. in lmin 58)sec. Seclusion is engaged in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups with Gst 131 b and 6st 81b respectively. The Nun (First King— Pilgrimage) was a good performer, but so far none of her progeny have been more than ordinary. The Nun started fifteen times as a two-year-old, winning three times—Sapling Stakes at Melbourne Hunt Club meeting, October 3, 1885: Criterion Stakes (Bst 71b), V.R.C. summer meeting, January 1, 1886; Criterion Stakes (Bst 131 b), V.A.T.C. meeting, February 13, 1886. At three years started eighteen times, winning once— Oaks, V.R.C. spring meeting, November 4, 1886. At four years, started thirteen times, winning four times— Geelong Handicap (7st olb), and Stewards’ Purse (7st 111 b), Geelong R.C. meeting, February 4, 1888; Brighton Cup (Bst 81b), Elstemwick Park, February 11, 1888; City Handicap (Bst 21b), A.J.C. autumn meeting, April 5, 1888. At five years, started five times, wit hr out. winning.

The Hotchkiss—Ouida colt, Sensation, appears among the acceptances for the A.J.C. Derby. The youngster, now trained by A. Shearsby. at Palmerston North, was probably left in in error.

Of the twenty-one horses entered for the w.f.a. Canterbury Cup, all except Sir George Clifford’s Golden Vein and Tercelet and Mr G. G. Stead’s Cruciform and Evelyn Wood, are engaged in the New Zealand Cup. This means that tliei'c is likely to be a big acceptance for the two-mile handicap. No less than fifty-seven nominations were received for the Stewards’ Handicap, in which owners pay one sovereign to see their weight. With Cruciform, Blazer, Hohoro and Ostiak engaged, the lmndicapper may be expected to start pretty high

The English authorities laid great stress upon the necessity of keeping Nevhaven and other short-pedigreed Australian horses out of the general Stud Book, but it seems to have been only by a sort of fluke that Eclipse, the main tap-root of the present-day racehorse, found his way into the thoroughbreds’ peerage. The Duke of Cumberland, a noted breeder of racehorses, held the office of ranger of the New Forest, and in that capacity lie devoted much attention to the forest ponies. He possessed in his thoroughbred stud (says “Land and Water”) a horse which never achieved fame on the racecourse, and up to the time of the Duke’s death, in 1765, had never made his mark at the stud. When the Duke’s horses were sold, this horse was bought for a few sovereigns by a New Forest farmer, and for four years was mated with the forest, mares. This horse was Marske, the sire of Eclipse. Marske’s maternal grandsire, Blacklegs, was by Hutton’s Bay Barb out of a mare by Coneyskins (dam’s pedigree unknown) out of Mr Croft's The Old Clubfoot mare by Hautboy, but nothing further is recorded of her breeding. Marske’s maternal granddam was by Bay Bolton, who had a flaw on both sides, being by Grey Hautboy, whose dam is unknown, out of a daughter of Makeless, who traces hack to “sister to Merlin’s dam,” of whom no record exists; the maternal great-granddam was an unnamed daughter of Foxcub, a grandson of Miss D’Arcy's Pet Mare out of a daughter of Coneyskins, thus being of unknown parentage on both sides. Marske was probably looked on by the Duke of Cumberland as a half-bred, and one may well doubt whether he would have ever been admitted to the Stud Book had he not been the sire of Eclipse. Spiletta, the dam of Eclipse, would most certainly be described as half-bred at the present, day, yet the union of these two animals, both full of English blood, produced Eclipse. If the same test is applied to the pedigrees of Herod and Matohem. who, with Eclipse, share the honour of having produced the present thoroughbred, we find that Herod had nearly as much English blood in his veins as Eclipse through Clumsy, Miss D’Arcy’s Pet Mare, Grey Grantham, Bright’s Roan, and Merlin, while Matohem is almost of pure Eastern descent. Yet we find at the present day that while the line of Hatehem is nearly extinct, and that of Herod is declining in importance, the blood of Eclipse carries all before it.

At the sale of the racehorses, the property of Mr R. Richards, at Sydney, the following prices were realised:— C’h g, 2yrs, by Medallion—Devotion, Mr J. Brown, 100 guineas. Blk g, 2yrs, by Dalmeny (imp.)—Shells of the Ocean, Mr I. Earnshaw, 35 guineas. B f Baccarat, 3yrs, by Dalmeny (imp.) —All Fours, Mr J. R. Hardie, 230 guineas. B f Bonnibell, 3yrs, by Beauchamp (imp.)—Bonnette. passed, 40 guineas. Bl ' or b g Slerton Steel, 3yrs, by Dalmeny (imp.)—Cast. Steel, by Metal (imp.), Mr T. Payton, 410 guineas. B or br m Aurantia, 4yrs, by Grand Flaneur—Goldliko, Mr J. R. Hardie, 370 guineas. B m Elvina, 4yrs, by Tranby—Cast Steel, Mr "W. E. White, 95 guineas. B g Hazel Lad, 4yrs, by Tranby—Royal Nell, Mr T. Payten, 400 guineas. B or br g Rudyard, 4yrs, by Haut Brion (imp.)—Novelette, Mr Hunter, 75 guineas. B g Speculum, 4yrs, by Nobleman (imp.)— Lonely, Mr E. A. Oatley, 230 guineas. B m Starling, 4yrs, by Tranby—Dulcibella, Mr W. Barry, 40 guineas. B g Juindo, oyrs, by Bay Middleton—Caledonia, Mr F. McGrath, 500 guineas. B g William James, syrs, by Bay Middleton—Vespa, Mr E. W. White, 50 guineas. Ch ni Edna, 6yrs, by Strathmore—Tasma, Lieut.-Colonel Smith, 30 guineas. Ch m Sometime (late Someday), 6yrs, by Tranby—Polio, Mr Gartner, 32 guineas. B g Dalmore, aged, by Gibraltar (son of Grandmaster, imp.) —Lily, Mr J. Earnshaw, 50 guineas. B g Ferryman, aged, by Gozo (imp.)— Foam, Mr W. Kelso, 235 guineas. B or br filly British Rule, 3yrs, by Gossoon (imp.)—Pretoria, Mr E. A. Oatley, 55 guineas. B h Vino, 4yrs, by Haut Brion (imp.)—Miss Westbourne (imp.), Mr W. Kelso. 125 guineas The following horses are in training at Taulierenikau: —Rebel, Lady Field, Consistent, Saracen —Wairoa filly, Dede, Whario, Rebellious, Boko, To Pake, Saracen —Merry Maid gelding, St. Lcger —Cuiralba filly, and Oudenaido. A conference of Representatives of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club, the Plumpton Trotting Club, and the New Brighton Trotting Club, convened by the New Zealand Trotting Association was held last week for the purpose of coining to some arrangement as to dates for this season. There were three representatives present from each club, and Messrs P. Selig and C. E.

Calcutt attended on behalf of the governing body. . Mr Selig was voted to the chair. After the chairman had explained the objects of the conference, a long discussion took place, and it wa.s decided to recommend the following dates for the approval of the New Zealand Trotting Association: —New Zealand and Metropolitan Ci;ub, August, November, and another date to be fixed later on (the club has already hold the August meeting); Plumpton Park Club, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day (one meeting), and Prince of Wales’s Birthday; New Brighton Club. October Bth and 9th, and the second week in March. The conference lasted from 7.30 o'clock till 10 p.m.

From Melbourne comes word that Messrs Clark and Robinson, the owners of the Maribyrnong Plate winner Niphetos, now in England are forwarding to Australia the three-year-old colt St. Ambrose, by St. Simon from Ambleside, by Petrarch from Straysfiot, by Toxophilite—sire of Musket ; and a colt by Orme. St. Ambrose will be raced and will receive his tuition from 14. Bradneld the Flemington trainer. At a meeting of the Stewards of the Wairarapa Racing Club, held on Friday last, Mr W. G. Bidwill. the Chairman, was presented by the Stewards with a beautiful enlarged photo of the Stewards and grounds at Tauherenikau, as a compliment to Mr BidwilFs good work in the interests cf the Club during the past ten years. Mr J. W. Curd, who made the presentation, reviewed the' position of the Club during -lie past decade, and showed the contrast between then and now. The prosperous position of the Club at the present time, lie said, was due, in a great measure, to tiie harmonious and zealous manner in which the Stewards performed their duties, and this happy position of affairs was maintained throughout by the courtesy, energy and enthusiasm of the Chairman. Mr Bidwill thanked the Stewards for the great compliment (laid him, and said what little he had done for the Club had been in the course of duty. He would always look back to the da vs when all worked together to build up the present appointments at their beautiful ground at Tauherenikau, and would continue to work in the interests of the Club, so long as the Stewards and members reposed their confidence in him. The toast cf “Our Chairman” was drunk in bumpers of champagne. The grandstand to be erected oil the Manawatu Racing Ckib’s new course at Awapuni. for which competitive designs are invited, will afford seating accommodation for at least- 1500 people and will contain dining-room, kitchen, refreshment bar, ladies’ retiring and cloak rooms, and necessary lavatories. It is intended to carry drainage from the stand to a septic tank at the rear of the buildings. The estimated cost is £2OOO. In addition to the first and second prizes of £SO and £25 respectively, a bonus of 5 per cent, will be paid to the successful competitor upon contract prioe, which will include all charges. The committee of the club will be the judges of tho design, associated with an architect of repute not competing. Designs must be deposited with the secretary, Mr J. M. Johnston, by October Ist.

The annual meeting of the Stratford Racing Club was hold on the 20tli inst., Mr H. N. Liardet (President) in the chair. Tho report and balance-sheet, which disclosed a satisfactory state of affairs, were read and adopted. The election of officers resulted:—President, Mr A. W. Budge; Vice-President, Dr. Paget ; Committee, Messrs F. Browne, W. H. Pollock, C. H. Arndt, \v. Morrison, and Clayton; Auditors, Messrs Stohr, F. Besley, C. Sole, and A. Stewart. . Hearty votes of thanks were acoorded to Mrs Paget and Mr T. Jordan for their gift of whips; to the retiring President, and to Dr. Paget for his services during the past year. A bonus of £2O was voted to the Secretary, Mr J. R. Mackay.

At a meeting of Stewards of the Wairarapa Racing Club, a letter wa.s read from the Secretary of the Canterbury Jockey Club, asking for information in connection with the Club’s new lease and other provisions made with a view to excluding bookmakers at race meetings. Resolved that a copy of the Act, lease and regulations be forwarded, and that tho Club bo informed that all information in connection with the matter could he obtained from Mr J. W. Card, who had worked up thb case. Mr G. G. Stead has engaged his recent purchase, Farewell, for the C.J.C. Stewards Handicap and Jubilee Cup. Mr Henrys’ handicaps for tho first named event are due on September 4. A private telegram received in Auckland spates that Mr Charles Goodman, at one time well known iu Auckland as an amateur- horseman, and for some seasons huntsman to the Pakuranga Hunt Club died there last Friday from heart disease. Mr Goodman was a son of Mr Alex Goodman, of Lincolnshire, England, who was well known in hunting circles, and a first class cross-country horseman in his time, having had the distinction of riding Salamander to victory in tho Liverpool Grand National in 1866, in a. field of 30 starters, the largest number with one exception in the history of tho contest, and that was when Abd-el-Kador won in 1850, when

there were 32 runners. Mr r;n n ,i sen., as far back as 1852 «mn the race on Miss Mowbray. The deceS was a fair horseman, and won l ?* races hereabout, but was unlucky many of lus cross-country ventures The Mastertou Trotting Club i , mdecUohoid its next meeting on Marlborough on a visit to Wellington PrCSCafc The Gaulus—Lady Mildted coif „ tered at the Martou Meetine n * of Mr Prosser’s Australian pu r cL°“ 9 Gaulus won the Melbourne Cup i n ‘lß<w when his full brother Che Graffm-l 7 ’ second. -The Grafter won the IS gf lowing. * AUl *

Mr J. T. Buchanan purchased Sul tana at auction at Christchurch on Mon day last for £125. l * My Waverley correspondent sends the following interesting items: a

“Walter Best, on hi s arrival ho„.« with the horses after the late We Hi no* ton Meeting, immediately turned them out in the padciocks, they bavin* catmU slight colds. Although acceptingS I‘ro.st for tlie National Steeples, he liarl full intention of undertaking the journev ■south but it appears Whangaroa was not eligible to start for the Enfield Steeple, so he scratched them all His horses have since been taken in h anc i in view of the ‘Wanganui meet in* “Charlie Berkett has Tieen most un fortunate with his horses. Laertes has broken down, and will not rae c a*ain for some time. Halberdier, who° is looking well, returned home from work last Friday, very groggy on his front legs. Mr Bennett informs me he hasn’t a penny on his horses for tho New Zealand Cup as yet. My object in mentioning this is that I noticed a commission of 200 to 6 has been booked against the Cuirassier gelding for the Cup. Berkett has another addition to his stables—a three-year-old filly, halfsister to Queen’s Guard..

“The string at Moinahaki stables is now being trained by Mr Kennedy sen. who, it is to be hoped, will be’more successful than his son. Being good sports, and havmg a private track°and every convenience at their disposal, it is surprising the wearers of the green jacket do not- go in for some young blood. Mariantinis and Moinahaki will be seen out at the ’ Marton meeting, and I wish the owners every success for the coming season. “The point-to-point in connection with the Egmont and Wanganui Hunt Club was held at Waverley last Thursday. Four events were on t lie card—Heavyweight, Lightweight, Novice Steeples and Bracelet. Although small fields were the order, some good cross-country work was seen. Opaku had a mortgage in the Heavyweights, winning with case from Pippo. The point-to-point was a boil-over, Cinders winning comfortably from Claymore, Tui and Sinbad. Puao was responsible for the Novices, and Pippo accounted for the Bracelet. Tui, whilst leading by half a length, came to grief at the last fence.”

The stallion Conqueror (Medallion — Siesta) has been purchased by Mr Douglas Gordon, and will probably do stud service at that gentleman’s farm at Waikanae.

Of the £3970 distributed over tho C.J.C. Grand National Meeting, North Island horses won £2770.

lOst olb" appears to be a popular standard for weight-adjusters to commence with. That was the weight Carbine carried when he put up his great Melbourne Cup performance. The Caulfield and Melbourne Cups this season lead off with the same weight, which Mr Evitt has also started with in the Avondale Cup. Messrs Barnett and Grant laid one wager of 1000 to 12) against Haydn and Trcsham for the double, Grand National Steeplechase and Grand National Hurdle Race. An Auckland backer secures the money. The totalisator paid £94 7a the double.

Mr Evitt’s handicaps for the principal events at the Avondale meeting on September 20th have made their appearance. The Cup, run over a distance of a mile and a quarter, is worth 250* sovs to the winner. Nonctte, who leads off with lOst olb, may be considered an unlikely starter. If successful iu this race he would put up olb penalty in the New Zealand Cup. Last year Nonetto won the double of Cup and Guineas. A fair three-year-old like Grey Seaton and Kelbume might repeat that performance. St. Paul has a fine record in connection with the race. Ho won at three years, carrying Bst; four years, carrying 9st; and five years, carrying lOst 81b. Tulloch also won the race three years in succession, and Annabelle twice. The Shannon, at 7st 111 b, is nicely handicapped, and on her best form would give the race a shako. I have most liking for Grey Seaton and Kelburne. The better of : this pair should be hard to beat in the Guineas, run on the second day. The winner of tho Flying Handicap, six furlongs, rim on the first day, may come from the three-year-olds. Of the others, Scotty, St. Olga and Jewellery appear to have a clianoe on paper. Mr J. Taggart has purchased Phaetotis for a southern owner, and Rawmore for another client. Titoki has bee* purchased by Mr T- Kett, of Inver* oargill, and will go futo A. Mackenzies stable

Mr Buckland may bring Fritz across +« compete at Christchurch in Isovemt-,. The Yaucleve gelding is kept in form by competing at tne show meetings in New South Wales and retains hiT form in a remarkable manner. Trotting men tell me, writes “Milroy” i n the “Sydney Mail,” that it requires rears to perfect the action of horses, hut once the gait is perfect and the , '"per muscles developed some improve as much as 30 seconds in a mile. Writing of trotting .reminds me of Fritz, whom it was my good fortune to see trot an exhibition mile at Forbes last week. As most people know, Fritz is a champion among champions, and was bred and trained by his enthusiastic ’ owner, Mr J. A. Buckland, now of Pine Ridge, and late of Wonbobbie. hLe brought Fritz over to Forbes’ just for the sport of the thing. The only reward that was hanging to the exhibition was a handsome ribbon with which Fritz was decorated after Ins labours by Mrs Charles MThillamy, and, like the thors. o ugh gentleman that he is, the .handsome and brilliant son of Vancleve stood at attention while the lady tied the ribbon, after which, in response to the plaudits of the crowd, he shook his game old head and carried liimself off the ground as proud as a peacock, and as lif he was most sensible to the honour bestowed upon him. The track at Forbes showground is only half a mile in circumference, and is rough and uneven in places, but our champion trotted his mile in 2min lGisec; the last half was

negotiated in 1 min 7sec. The old horse was uot in the best of trim—he was a trifle sick after his train journey—which makes Ins performance most meritorious. If the A.J.C. could induce Mr Buckland to trot an exhibition mile at Randwick with Fritz at the mid-sum-mer meeting, when the going is firm, what a crowd he' would attract- From something I have heard I am sure Mr Buckland, who is a thorough sportsman, ' would gladly let the public see what his wonderful horse can do for the love of the thing. The public have not seen much of Fritz, and, as it is not at all likely that such another horse will be bred in our time, it would be a move in the right direction to give the city 6ports a chance of seeing t.he greatest horse in Australia-—some tliink the best in the world—perform on a good track. Mr Buckland brought over a handsome bloodlike 14.3 Vancleve mare, named Sunshine and won the Federal Trot with her oil the first day of the show, but she and the others were badly beaten , in the Time Handicap Trot by a finelooking horse named Globe, ju'nr., who . improved so marvellously in 24 hours that the suspicions of the committee were aroused, and after inquiry they disqualified the horse and his owner for two years, and declared the second, Amy Robsart, the winner.